September Featured Photographer: Madeline Krause

Date Published: September 12, 2019

What is your name and where can people find your work? 
My name is Madeline Krause and you can find my photos at Downstate Photo - www.downstatephoto.com. Or on my Instagram.

Describe your perfect staycation in Dutchess, or your idea of a fun weekend in the County.
My perfect staycation would be a day in Beacon or Millbrook. I would spend my Saturday locally, in the city of Beacon, and a spontaneous Sunday, driving aimlessly through Millbrook. If I could plan out my entire weekend, I would first wake up and grab a freshly brewed iced coffee from Bank SQ, or a Nitro cold brew from Big Mouth Coffee Roasters. That's right, I said it... Nitro. Cold. Brew.  Next, I would browse some of my favorite shops for things I don't need. Once I'm done spending all of my money, I would make my way over to either Madam Brett Park or Dennings Point. Now working up an appetite, Draught Industries, is the first thing on my mind. Mainly for a beer but also a bite to eat. After that, I would grab another beer from Hudson Valley Brewery, and if I'm really feeling froggy, make my last beer stop down by the Beacon waterfront at 2 Way Brewing Company. Yes, I really like craft beer! And to top the night off, wherever I end up going, I end my day at the waterfront for sunset. (I know, right.) My Sunday would honestly be me, my camera, a coffee, and a scenic drive to an unknown destination. That is what I consider a perfect staycation.

What equipment do you use in your photography?
I shoot with a Sony A7RII - a recent investment that has really helped me become more confident in the final products that I produce. For long exposures, especially for sunsets or waterfalls, I typically have my tripod on me and a few filtered lenses. For a long time, don't tell anyone, I was using my iphone to capture whatever was in front of me. That's right! I was an official iPhonographer. That’s how the Downstate project really started. I drove around aimlessly and shot what I thought was beautiful. Sometimes I would get lucky and find some amazing hidden gems in the Hudson Valley.

What is your favorite place to photograph in Dutchess and why?
It's hard to choose just one spot. I typically gravitate anywhere along the Hudson River. My two favorite places to photograph are Long Dock Park in Beacon and the Poughkeepsie waterfront. I find the water very peaceful plus these are the best spots to watch the sun go down.

Do you have somewhere on your list that you want to photograph in Dutchess, but haven’t gotten there yet?
I've been wanting to make my way out to Wings Castle to possibly spend a night or weekend stay but, I haven't had the chance. I mean, it’s a medieval-style turned bed and breakfast, why wouldn’t you want to stay there? 

Give us a few photography tips.
The biggest tip I could give someone would be to invest in themselves and their equipment. Take time to learn how to use your camera. Pace yourself and figure out what you like to photograph. You don’t need to be like everyone else. Find what makes you happy and do it. Make mistakes. Break stuff, and buy better equipment. But, like don’t break the really expensive stuff because well, it’s expensive!